5 Common Myths About Type 1 Diabetes

There are so many common myths and misconceptions about type 1 diabetes. These misconceptions arise because a lack of education about the condition, which is something that really needs to change, due to the increasing number of people that suffer from the condition worldwide. Increasing awareness of type 1 diabetes will help people to identify the symptoms early and reduce the risk of serious health complications further down the line.

In this post, we aim to dispel 5 of the most common myths that we hear time and time again.

People who suffer from type 1 diabetes are restricted as to what they can eat.

People often think that people with type 1 diabetes can’t eat certain foods, particularly those that are high in sugar. In fact, type 1 diabetes sufferers can actually eat most of the same foods as people who don’t suffer from the condition. The main difference lies with portion control. Some foods raise blood sugar levels more quickly than others, so it’s really just a case of keeping an eye on this. A well-planned, balanced diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels.

Only Children Can Contract Type 1 Diabetes.

This is absolutely untrue. Although a high proportion of new cases of type 1 diabetes are in children, people can be diagnosed with the condition at any age. It is commonly known that children under the age of 5 are most at risk of contracting the disease, but this certainly does not mean that adults don’t contract type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Can Be Cured with Insulin

Insulin is used to keep the symptoms of type 1 diabetes to a minimum. Because the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate the body’s glucose levels, regular injections of insulin are required to keep the patient. As of yet, there is no know cure for type 1 diabetes, but charities such as JDRF work tirelessly to find the cure for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Is Related to Lifestyle Choices

Many people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is completely unrelated to lifestyle choices, whereas type 2 is, in some circumstances. Although scientists have been unable to pinpoint the exact root cause of type 1 diabetes, it is thought that it is resultant of genetics and various environmental triggers. Diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors do not determine whether someone contracts type 1 diabetes or not.

Type 1 Diabetes Is Contagious

As we have already mentioned, it is though that type 1 diabetes is a hereditary disease, rather than an infectious one. You can’t catch type 1 diabetes, much in the way that you can catch a common cold or flu.

This post was provided by Tommy Upton. Tommy enjoys to blog about health-related issues and is an avid fundraiser for type 1 diabetes research.